South Anna Dam #23 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
South Anna Dam #23, also known as Waldrop Lake, is a local government-owned structure in Louisa, Virginia, designed by USDA NRCS to reduce flood risks along Desper Creek.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 32 feet with a length of 670 feet, the dam provides a maximum storage capacity of 417 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 1.7 square miles. Despite its fair condition assessment, the dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and risk management measures.
Located in the Baltimore District, South Anna Dam #23 is regulated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation in Virginia, ensuring compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. The dam's last inspection was conducted in April 2020, with a designated inspection frequency of one year. While the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status is unclear, its primary purpose remains flood risk reduction, aligning with its crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential inundation events.
As a key component in the flood risk reduction infrastructure along Desper Creek, South Anna Dam #23 plays a vital role in safeguarding the community against potential hazards. With its strategic location, significant hazard potential, and fair condition assessment, continued monitoring and maintenance are essential to ensure the dam's effectiveness in mitigating flood risks and protecting the local environment and residents.
Dam Length |
670 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
DESPER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11 |
Hydraulic Height |
32 |
Drainage Area |
1.7 |
Nid Storage |
417 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
North Anna River Near Partlow
|
48cfs |
Rivanna River At Palmyra
|
171cfs |
James River At Cartersville
|
1880cfs |
Po River Near Spotsylvania
|
11cfs |
Little River Near Doswell
|
24cfs |
South Anna River Near Ashland
|
95cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
South Anna Dam #23